2024 Volkswagen Atlas

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2024 models.

Volkswagen Atlas
Pictured: 2024 Volkswagen Atlas IMG 2146. Photo: Alexander-93, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Body styles
4dr SUV 4motion 2.0l, 4dr SUV 4motion 3.6l, Sport Cross 4dr SUV 4motion 2.0l, Sport Cross 4dr SUV 4motion 3.6l
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo
Horsepower
269 hp
Transmission
automatic
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Seats
5–7
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
23 combined · 20 city / 27 hwy
Length
195.7–200.8 in
Curb weight
4,442–4,594 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
8 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Seats up to 73 rows of seating.
  • 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
  • Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.

Watch out for

  • Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 23 MPG combined, 19% below the 2024 small SUV average of 28.3 MPG.
  • Many owner complaints277 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 86 for similar models — most often about the electrical system.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 21 similar 2024 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas is a small SUV offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 201 inches long and 78 inches wide on a 117-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,442 lb (4dr SUV 4motion 2.0l).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (20 city / 27 highway), 19% worse than the 2024 small SUV average of 28.3 MPG, for an estimated $2,900 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.

It has 8 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 277 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.

What changed for 2024

  • Engine dropped: 3.6L 6-cyl

Compared with 2023; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2023 Atlas →

Trims, performance & features

Engine269 hp2.0L turbo 4-cyl
Transmissionautomatic
DriveAWD/4WD
Seating5–7 seats · 3 rows

Trims

4Motion SEL Premium R-LineSE w/ Technology w/ Sunroof Pkg.4Motion SE4Motion SEL4Motion SEL R-Line

Safety & driver-assist features

Automatic emergency brakingStandard
Pedestrian emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Blind-spot interventionStandard
Rear cross-traffic alertStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistStandard
Adaptive cruise controlStandard
Parking assistStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsOptional
Keyless startStandard
LED headlightsYes

Built in: Chattanooga, Tennessee

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2024 Atlas configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV 4motion 2.0l200.8 in78 in68.9 in117.3 in67.7 / 67.7 in4,442 lb56/44
4dr SUV 4motion 3.6l200.8 in78 in68.9 in117.3 in67.7 / 67.7 in4,594 lb57/43
Sport Cross 4dr SUV 4motion 2.0l195.7 in78.3 in67.7 in117.3 in67.3 / 67.7 in4,442 lb57/43
Sport Cross 4dr SUV 4motion 3.6l195.7 in78.3 in67.7 in117.3 in67.3 / 67.7 in4,594 lb57/43

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Atlas2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)Front-Wheel Drive20 / 27 / 23-19%$2,900393
Atlas Cross Sport2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)Front-Wheel Drive20 / 27 / 23-19%$2,900393
Atlas SE 4motion2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive19 / 26 / 22-12%$3,050407
Atlas Cross Sport 4motion2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive19 / 26 / 22-12%$3,050407
Atlas SEL 4motion2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive19 / 25 / 21-16%$3,200422
Atlas 4motion Peak Edition2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive18 / 24 / 20-20%$3,350435
5/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
5/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $2,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
28.3 MPG2024 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2024 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2024 Volkswagen Atlas SUV FWD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★13.6%
2024 Volkswagen Atlas SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★15.9%
StandardElectronic stability control
StandardForward collision warning
StandardLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2024 Volkswagen Atlas SUV FWD
Frontal crash test — 2024 Volkswagen Atlas SUV FWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2024 Volkswagen Atlas SUV FWD
Side crash test — 2024 Volkswagen Atlas SUV FWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2024 small SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2024 Volkswagen Atlas (this car)23 MPG★★★★★8
2024 Toyota Land Cruiser23 MPGNot rated5
2024 Ford Explorer24 MPG★★★★★10
2024 Toyota Highlander36 MPG★★★★★7
2024 Kia Telluride22 MPG★★★★★5
2024 Ford Expedition19 MPG★★★★★7
2024 Nissan Pathfinder23 MPG★★★★★2

Recalls (8)

Back Over Prevention › Software · Jul 22, 2026

NHTSA campaign 26V473000 · 57,851 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling 2024-2026 Atlas Cross Sport and Atlas vehicles. The vehicles may experience a low-voltage electrical event that affects display screen functions. As a result, the rearview camera image may fail to display as intended.
Risk
A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 4, 2026. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91TV. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 28, 2026.
Suspension · Jun 30, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V434000 · 546 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport and 2023-2024 ID.4 vehicles. Certain bolts on the chassis, brake system and/or suspension (such as bolts for certain cross member, engine mount, control arm, subframe, rear brake carrier, etc.) of affected vehicles may not have been correctly tightened during the manufacturing process.
Risk
A loss of vehicle control increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 25, 2025. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 42HX.
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · May 21, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V334000 · 171,381 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Atlas Cross Sport and Atlas vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera image to become distorted when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk
A distorted rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will update the camera control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 5, 2025. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91SB.
Engine · Feb 17, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V100000 · 177,493 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The engine cover may have been improperly installed after vehicle service, allowing it to come loose and contact hot engine surfaces.
Risk
A loose engine cover that contacts hot surfaces in the engine compartment can melt, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix
Dealers will remove the engine cover, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 7, 2025. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 10X5.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder · Sep 27, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V723000 · 1,591 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2024 Atlas and 2024 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The brake master cylinder may have been assembled with an incorrect secondary piston spring retainer, which can block the brake fluid port.
Risk
An obstructed brake fluid port can cause a loss of brake function, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 21, 2024. Additionally, vehicles that were added to the population on November 21, 2024, their letters were mailed on December 2, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen Customer Relations at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 471F.
Back Over Prevention › Software · Jun 27, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V480000 · 84,432 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VW) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Golf R, Golf GTI, 2024 Atlas, and 2024 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The rearview camera image may be delayed or deactivated after shifting into reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk
A rearview camera with a delayed or deactivated image reduces the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Fix
Dealers will update the infotainment system software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 15, 2024, and July 16, 2024. Owners may contact VW customer service at 1-800-893-5298. VW's number for this recall is 91US.
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger · Jun 20, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V464000 · 271,330 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Atlas and 2020-2024 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles. The passenger occupant detection system (PODS) may experience a fault in the wiring and deactivate the front passenger air bag when the seat is occupied.
Risk
A deactivated passenger air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the PODS sensor mat and wiring harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 30, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on October 18, 2024, December 10, 2024, December 20, 2024, and January 17, 2025. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69PZ.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Hard Parts Internal/Mechanical · Aug 23, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V593000 · 2,018 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2024 Atlas PA2 and Atlas Cross Sport PA vehicles. The engine connecting rod bearings may become damaged, which can result in engine failure.
Risk
A damaged engine can result in engine failure and a stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, engine failure may cause an oil leak which can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 28, 2023. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 13i6.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2024 Volkswagen Atlas is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

277Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
10Involved a crash
3Involved a fire
11Injuries reported
15,327 miTypical mileage at failure
Electrical System79
Unknown Or Other55
Engine46
Service Brakes44
Power Train30
Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking25
Visibility/Wiper22
Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control19
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/11: 924/12: 1125/01: 1525/02: 825/03: 1025/04: 1025/05: 625/06: 625/07: 925/08: 625/09: 525/10: 2425/11: 825/12: 726/01: 926/02: 526/03: 1126/04: 726/05: 626/06: 626/07: 926/08: 1026/09: 926/10: 924/1125/0225/0525/0825/1126/0226/0526/08max 24

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2024 Volkswagen Atlas buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 8 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Electrical System — 79 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  3. Engine — 46 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Service Brakes — 44 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 15,327 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Atlas years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Atlas25–Not rated00
2026 Atlas23200.8 inNot rated212
2025 Atlas23200.8 in★★★★★576
2023 Atlas23200.8 in★★★★★6159
2022 Atlas23200.8 in★★★★★7260
2021 Atlas22200.8 in★★★★★17647
2020 Atlas22198.4 in★★★★★11135
2019 Atlas22198.4 in★★★★★12483
2018 Atlas24198.4 in★★★★★17466

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volkswagen. How we calculate this →